Turn N' Burn

Chapter 5

The day of the show. I told Avery to come watch, I notice her in the stands sending another text. Although I haven't told her what's been going on. I wear long blue jeans and a black button up. Roses on the back and down the sleeves. A big black hat on my head with black boots (again with roses). I had Austin's help, he said I'd look handsome. Which, obviously, made me blush.

Austin wears his own adorable outfit. A light brown cowboy hat, a light blue button up with black accents and horseshoe designs. Blue jeans, obviously. And rough out boots the color of his saddle. His freckles stand out even more than usual as he works out Flash for us both. His run is right before mine and then we need to quickly switch horses.

Jack heads out of the arena, Buck recording from his horse. It seems all four of us are right next to each other.

"Woah and that's a new leader! Fifteen point fifty five o'! Look at that, look at that! We have our three prodigies in a row right here, next up is Buck Foster on his little mare Buckle Bunny. Let's see these two work like there's no tomorrow!"

"I got it Jack!" I yell, holding out my phone. "Nice run!"

"Thanks! Good luck newbie!" Jack gives Buck a kiss from atop their horses, right before Buck enters the ring, full speed ahead.

The arena is smaller than the first, but Austin said the ground is better for Flash. He likes it deep. While Bunny likes it a little harder.

His first is wide, and he has to really pull her in. He's still in it though as he heads to second with a leg lift around the back. Third is almost as tight, but Bunny stumbles a bit on the back before heading home. I guess Austin was right when he said he was worried about the duo.

"Still a good run though all things considered! Check out that clock!" Buck holds his saddle as he listens, holding his reins high to keep Bunny in her pacey walk. "Fifteen point eight eighty six, just out of the money! This just shows you, even the best can make mistakes sometimes. Better luck next time Buck, always good to see you!"

Buck and Jack walk shoulder and shoulder, smiling as they tell us good luck.

I can see Avery's shock all the way from here as the announcer calls the next name. "Our next fan favorite we have here tonight is Austin Turner! Looking forward to seeing him and Gone in a Flash again! This big stout gelding loves to dig through that deep ground, let's see this duo work yet again!" The crowd cheers, Avery slowly clapping with the widest eyes I've ever seen. Her jaw stuck open as she watches.

Austin sends him in as I begin to record. Full speed ahead he turns first, tight as usual. Second another tight. "Let's send him home everyone, help this cowboy out!"

"Woo~, let's go sexy!" One of the real buckle bunnies shouts, with a huge buckle and short shorts. She's pretty, with long black hair and a chest way bigger than mine. I blush, focusing on Austin's amazing run. I can't be thinking about these girls right now, even if it makes my chest hurt thinking of them with. . .

Austin turns third, Yelling "Hey!" As he tugs on the inside rein. Flash turned too early, and he has to lift his leg to get by. Then it's back to full speed running past the timer. He pumps his fist in the air, slowly pulling back on the reins.

"Woah look at that! Almost a new leader! Fifteen point fifty five one! Point one off of first that's gonna put him in second! You guys know I love this trio but check this out! For the first time ever, Flash will have a new rider. This cowboy has been on the pattern for under two weeks and Austin says he has high hopes for this team. This is Blaze Baxter on Gone in a Flash, Austin's signature horse. You all know, no one touches his baby but here we go let's see this newbie prove how high he can fly!" The announcer shouts into his microphone. Another flabbergasted look from Avery as I hop on.

"You got this, show them all how it's done!" Austin says, taking my phone to record.

I send Flash off, pushing with all my might up to first, we just barely make it by as I turn him in and move on to second. For once, I remembered to look up. Second is just as tight, then it's on to third. I got this, I can do this! Austin will be so impressed, he'll see!

Far too late I realize what I've done, leaning too much into the third barrel as Flash stumbles into the ground. I close my eyes, terrified of what will happen. Will I get stepped on? Will Flash be ok? I open my eyes as Flash gets up, shaking the dirt off his coat as he looks down at me, both of us with wide eyes.

"Blaze!" Avery shouts, going between the panels. I see Austin running over too.

"Are you ok?" They say simultaneously.

Austin takes over, getting on his knees and looking my arms and legs over. "I'm so sorry! He's never fallen before, I didn't think- I'm so sorry!"

"I- I-" He looks into my eyes, but my vision blurs, remembering what he said of Mouse. The mare that can no longer be ridden because of a fall. "I'm sorry this is all my fault! I leaned too much! I'm sorry!" I shout, getting up and running away.

I don't show up to the last few days of school. Even when the two blow my phone up with calls and messages, or when Avery bangs on my front door.